Disarm prevention circuit for a firearm and a system to prevent a user of a fiream from being disarmmed

ABSTRACT

A device and system for a firearm that enables a user to maintain possession of a firearm by holding at least one handle of the firearm, by delivering a high-voltage electrical shock to an assailant that attempts to disarm the user by grabbing the firearm out of the user&#39;s hands.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to provisional patentapplication No. 61/442,146, filed on Feb. 11, 2011, and herebyincorporates it by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for a firearm, and morespecifically to a device and system to prevent an assailant fromdisarming a user operating a firearm.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many citizens, including soldiers and police officers (collectivelyhereinafter “user”) are faced with the prospect of being disarmed by anassailant and shot with his/her own firearm (e.g. handgun, rifle,shotgun). For example, a user holding an assailant at gunpoint maysuddenly have the assailant grab the firearm and redirect the firearm'smuzzle away from the assailant (i.e. redirect the line of fire) as afirst step in disarming/attempting to disarm the user. The assailant canthen attack the user to weaken him and gain control of the firearm. Thiscan be done in mere seconds by a trained, reality based fighting systempractitioner (e.g. Krav Maga). From the time of the assailant's grabbingthe user's firearm, to the assailant operating the firearm to shoot theuser, the assailant may use the firearm as a club against the user (e.g.while holding onto the barrel of the firearm to drive the butt end ofthe firearm into the user's face). Once the user is separated from thefirearm, the assailant may create space between him and the user (toprevent a user's counter-disarm) and shoot the user.

One proposed solution includes “SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELYDISABLBING A WEAPON,” United States Patent Application Publication US2011/0162514, to Osborne; Wayne Kenneth, et al. (hereinafter Osborne)which teaches an authorized person (user) activating a “remote and/orwireless switch or may be a tethered switch” that signals and activatesa “disarming protection circuit” to deliver a large electrical voltageinto the body of an unauthorized person, to cause the unauthorizedperson to release the weapon. The chief disadvantage of this concept, asthe title suggests, is that the user is “REMOTE” from his firearm, andthe unauthorized person has the firearm. Another disadvantage of Osborneis that it does not take into account how it is that the user becameremote from his firearm in the first place. For example, a user whotakes an assailant captive at gunpoint will not voluntarily surrenderhis firearm to the assailant, but instead will only become remote fromthe firearm involuntarily (e.g. after the assailant delivers a stunningblow to the user's throat or groin). In such a scenario, the chance of auser finding the switch and activating the disarming protection circuitbefore being shot and killed by the unauthorized person is unlikely. Yetanother problem not addressed by Osborne, is how to keep an electrode(or conductive plate/sheath) electrically charged when the electrode isdisposed on a moving part of the firearm (e.g. a recoiling slide of asemi-automatic handgun).

Other problems and drawbacks with prior approaches exist. Thereforeremains a need for a device that assists a user in maintaining controland possession of a firearm that an assailant attempts to take away fromthe user.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

One object of the invention is to overcome these and other drawbacks ofknown devices.

This disclosure describes a disarm prevention circuit apparatus for usewith a firearm (e.g. handgun, rifle, or pump shotgun) that allows a userto maintain a firearm in the user's hand(s), and prevents an assailantfrom disarming the user by delivering a high-voltage electric shock tothe assailant via at least one exposed electrode or conductive plate ofa disarm prevention circuit. In this way, the disarm prevention circuitprevents a user from becoming remote from his firearm in the firstplace.

Apparatus comprising a disarm prevention circuit attachable to afirearm, at least one exposed electrode of said disarm preventioncircuit disposed in such a way that a user of the firearm is able tooperate the firearm without contacting the at least one exposedelectrode when the device is attached to the firearm.

A system for maintaining control of a firearm, comprising means toimpart an electric shock to a second person who interferes with a firstperson's operation of a firearm, wherein the first person's operationcomprises the first person holding the firearm by at least one handle ofthe firearm, and the second person's interference comprises the secondperson coming into contact with the means to impart the electric shock.

An apparatus, comprising a disarm prevention circuit, the disarmprevention circuit comprising at least one exposed electrode, a firstswitch and a second switch wired in a series.

An apparatus, comprising a semi-automatic pistol slide, at least oneexposed electrode of said semi-automatic pistol slide disposed in such away that it is able to deliver an electric shock while thesemi-automatic pistol slide recoils.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments will becomereadily apparent when the detailed description of the embodiment is readin conjunction with the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of the disarm prevention circuitthat is slidably connected to a tactical illuminating device powersource mounted to a firearm.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a disarm prevention circuit that isslidably connected to a tactical illuminating device power sourcemounted to a firearm, consistent with one embodiment of the invention asin FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slide for a semi-automatic handgun,including an exposed electrode and an elongated bar structure thatslidably connects to a power source as in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a disarm prevention circuit'spower source, including an elongated slot to receive a slide's elongatedbar structure as in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a disarm prevention circuit that isslidably connected to a dedicated power source that is mounted to afirearm, consistent with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is an external side view of the disarm prevention circuit thatis slidably connected to a dedicated power source that is mounted to afirearm as in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an external perspective view of a disarm prevention circuitincluding an attachable upper portion, that further includes at leastone electrode that is connected via an insulated wire to a dedicatedpower source, consistent with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is an external side view of the attachable disarm preventioncircuit as in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is an external perspective view of an attachable disarmprevention circuit mounted to a firearm and not in contact with the topsurface of the firearm, consistent with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is an external side view of an attachable disarm preventioncircuit as in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a firearm including a disarm preventioncircuit comprising two switches wired in a series, consistent with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary schematic circuit diagram for the disarmprevention circuit, in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an exemplary schematiccircuit diagram for the disarm prevention circuit including a first andsecond switch wired in a series, in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the disarm prevention circuit delivering ashock to an assailant attempting to disarm a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, 4A-4B there is depicted a disarmprevention circuit (hereinafter “DPC”) 20, including at least oneexposed electrode 22 that is disposed on a slide 24 of a firearm 26. Asused herein, the term “at least one exposed electrode” 22 includes aconductive plate (e.g. a conductive metal plate). The at least oneexposed electrode 22 receives a high voltage electrical current from apower source 28 (to be further described below) that can generate avoltage in a range of approximately 25,000-1,000,000 volts, and includesat least one switch 30 (hereinafter “1^(st) switch”) (e.g. an on/offswitch, momentary on switch, etc.). This should not be construed as alimitation however, as this embodiment is for illustrative purposesonly. As those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure,the novel features described herein may readily be applied to otherdevices and firearms. Moreover, the figures are provided as examplesonly. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to theparticulars depicted in the figures.

According to one embodiment, the firearm 26 comprises a frame 32 withrail grooves 34 located in and extending along at least a portion of theframe 32, preferably parallel with a longitudinal axis “A” of the barrel36. Preferably, the rail grooves 34 extend from about a trigger guard 38to substantially the most forward end of the frame 32.

In a preferred embodiment, the power source 28 is attached to thefirearm's frame 32 (e.g. via it's rail grooves 34). Alternatively, thepower source 28 may be located in, or attached to a different locationof the firearm 26, such as housed inside a stock 40 of a firearm 26,attached to a hand guard 42, etc..

The power source 28, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, and FIGS. 3-7 alsopreferably comprises a housing and structural members extendingtherefrom (e.g. rigid elongated projections, or longitudinal “tongues”44 extending along at least a portion of the power source 28.Preferably, the tongues 44 are designed to be compatible with the railgrooves 34 of the firearm 26. For example, the longitudinal tongues 44may be spaced and sized such that they fit snugly within the railgrooves 34, but are capable of being slid therealong. Together, the railgrooves 34 and tongues 44 cooperate to function as a positioningmechanism. In a preferred embodiment the power source 28 will beremovably attached by means of a universal clamp-on mounting deck, so asto fit most firearms with or without rail grooves 34.

The DPC 20 further comprises at least one connector component 45 tocarry an electric current from the power source 28 to the at least oneelectrode 22. The connector component 45 may be any suitable means forconnecting the power source 28 to the at least one exposed electrode 22.For example, the connector component 45 may be a housing wall 46 of thepower source 28 (FIGS. 1A-1B, 3, 4A-4B, 10), an insulated wire 48 (FIGS.5A-5B and 7), or a cover 50 (FIGS. 6A-6B)). The firearm's 26 type anduse during operation (e.g. what parts of the firearm 26 move when thefirearm 26 is fired) will determine the suitability of the specificconnector component 45 to be used to connect the power source 28 to theat least one exposed electrode 22.

The at least one exposed electrode 22 is preferably insulated (e.g. withan insulating material 66) and not proximate to a handle 52 (hereinafter“1^(st) handle”) of the firearm 26, so that a user 54 may operate thefirearm 26 by the 1^(st) handle 52 of the firearm 26 without beingshocked when the electrode 22 receives an electrical current from thepower source 28. In another alternate embodiment, the 1^(st) handle 52of the firearm 26 may be insulated, instead of or in addition to the atleast one exposed electrode 22, so that the user 54 operating thefirearm 26 will not be shocked.

The 1st switch 30 may be a simple “on/off”, “momentary on”, or othersuitable switch 30. For example, when the power source 28 is anillumination device (as illustrated in FIG. 1A-1B), the 1^(st) switch 30may be a Single Pole Double Throw Switch, including a “center off”position (i.e. SPDT center off switch).

The at least one electrode 22 is preferably disposed proximate to themuzzle 56 of the firearm 26, so that when an assailant 58 is being heldat gunpoint by a user 54, the electrode 22 will be on the firearm 26 ata point closest to the assailant 58 when the assailant 58 attempts todisarm the user 54 who is holding the firearm 26 by at least one 1^(st)handle 52.

FIG. 1A-1B shows a slide 24 of a semi-automatic type firearm 26,including at least one exposed electrode 22 disposed thereon, and atleast one elongated bar 60 that extends from an outer surface of theslide 24 and along at least a portion of the slide 24, preferablyparallel with a longitudinal axis “A” of the barrel 36. The at least oneelectrode 22 is electrically connected to the at least one elongated bar60 of the slide 24 (e.g. by at least one wire 62 disposed inside theslide 24).

The at least one elongated bar 60 is illustrated as being orientedsubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the barrel 36 of thefirearm 26, but other orientations are possible. Preferably the at leastone elongated bar 60 has a geometry that is complimentary to anelongated slot 64 of the connector component 45 (e.g. as illustrated, apower source's 28 housing wall 46, that is likewise substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal axis A of the barrel 36 of the firearm 26),so that they may slidably connect together to carry an electricalcurrent from the power source 28 to the at least one exposed electrode22. At least a portion of the elongated bar 60 and elongated slot 64 ispreferably composed of one or more conductive materials (e.g. copper,conductive plastic, etc.). In this way, when the firearm 26 is fired andthe slide 24 recoils, the at least one electrode 22 will remainelectrically charged.

For purposes of illustration, the elongated slots 64 are shown openended, however in an alternate embodiment the elongated slots 64 may beclosed at least at one end (e.g. at a point closest to the muzzle 56) toprevent the connection of the at least one elongated bar 60 andelongated slot 64 from becoming dirty/degraded. The elongated bar 60 maybe integral to the slide 24 (i.e. made with the slide 24 as one piece),or may be a separately manufactured part that is attached to the slide24 (e.g. by screws, weld, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the at leastone elongated bar 60 is removably attached (e.g. by screws), so that itcan be easily replaced when it becomes worn.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a DPC 20 slide 24comprising a single elongated bar 60 that is substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis A of the barrel 36 of a firearm 26. The elongated bar60 is electrically connected to at least one exposed electrode 22 via atleast one interior wire 62 (e.g. a wire disposed inside the slide 24).The at least one exposed electrode 22 is preferably insulated 66 In analternative embodiment, all, or a segment of the interior wire 62 may bedisposed on the exterior surface of the slide 24. The at least oneexposed electrode 22 may be disposed on the top of the slide 24 (asshown), or on any other suitable location of the slide 24. In apreferred embodiment, the electrode 22 is further disposed at a pointnearest the most forward end of the slide 24.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a power source 28 for aDPC 20 that slidably connects to, and is compatible with the slide 24 ofFIG. 2. The power source 28 includes at least one interior wire 62 thatconnects the power source 28 to the elongated slot 64 of a connectioncomponent 45 (in this illustration a housing wall 46 of the power source28), and a 1^(st) switch 30.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of aDPC 20 including a power source 28 and a slide 24 of a firearm 26. Theslide 24 further includes an elongated bar 60 with an elongated slot 64that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the barrel 36of the firearm 26. The elongated slot 64 slidably connects to an edge ofa housing wall 46 connector component 45 that is likewise substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal axis A of the barrel 36 of the firearm 26.This connection allows the components 46 & 60 to remain in contact (e.g.substantial physical and/or electrical contact) when the slide 24recoils as the firearm 26 is fired. Together the connection allows anelectrical current to flow from the power source 28 to the at least oneexposed electrode 22 when the slide 24 recoils. FIG. 4B is an externalside view of the DPC 20 as in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates an external perspective view of a DPC 20 consistentwith yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, including atleast one exposed electrode 22 disposed on a removably attached upperportion 68. As used herein, the word “upper” in the term “upper portion”68 is not intended as a limitation where the upper portion 68 may beattach to a firearm 26. The upper portion 68 may be attached to anysuitable location of a firearm 26 (e.g. on the slide 24, barrel 36,handguard 42, tactical rail 70, etc.). In this embodiment, the powersource 28 is connected to the at least one exposed electrode 22 via aninsulated wire 48 having sufficient slack (i.e. between the power source28 and the removable upper portion 68) to accommodate the slide's 24movement (e.g. the slide's 24 recoil when the firearm 26 is fired)without disconnecting the power source 28 from the removable upperportion 68.

The removable upper portion 68 preferably slidably attaches to thefirearm 26. For example, the upper portion 68 may include a clip of onepiece construction (made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material,or a combination of materials) including a first leg, a second leg, anda bridging section joining the first leg and the second leg that furtherbiases the first leg against the second leg to attach to the upperportion 68 to the firearm 26. Alternatively, the removable upper portion68 may be made of more than one piece.

In alternate embodiment, the removable upper portion 68 may attach to afirearm's 26 picatinny, weaver, or other tactical rail 70 by at leastone fastener (e.g. screw).

When the firearm 26 includes a front sight bead/blade (not shown), theremovable upper portion 68 preferably includes a notch 72 to accommodatethe bead/blade, so that the removable upper portion 68 and the electrode22 may be positioned on the most forward portion of the slide 24,proximate to the firearm's 26 muzzle 56. FIG. 5B is an external sideview illustration of a DPC 20 comprising a removable upper portion 68attached to a firearm 26 as in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a DPC 20, including aremovably attached cover 50, that further includes at least one exposedelectrode 22. The cover 50 attaches to a firearm in such a way that theDPC's 20 at least one exposed electrode 22 does not come into contactwith the top of the firearm 26 (e.g. the top of a firearm's 26 slide 24,barrel 36, etc.) when the DPC 20 is attached to a firearm 26. In apreferred embodiment, the at least one exposed electrode 22 is insulated66.

In this embodiment, the cover 50 attaches to a firearm 26 by slidingonto the firearm's 26 rail grooves 34. In this embodiment, it is furtherpreferable that the DPC 20 may slide onto the firearm's 26 rail grooves34 either end of the DPC 20 first, so that a user 54 in an emergency canattach the DPC 20 to a firearm 26 without having to consider which endof the DPC 20 to slide onto the rail grooves 34 first. In a preferredembodiment, the DPC 20, or segments of it, will have the same or similarcolor/pattern of the firearm's 26 surface, so that the DPC's 20 presenceis not obvious to an assailant 58. FIG. 6B is an external side view ofthe attachable DPC 20 mounted to a firearm 26 as in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of an alternate embodiment of aDPC 20 for a firearm 26 having at least two handles (52 & 76), twoswitches (30 & 80) and a pair of electrodes 78. In this embodiment, the1^(st) handle 52 is proximate to and behind a trigger 74. The secondhandle 76 (hereinafter “2^(nd) handle”) is forward of the trigger 74.The 2^(nd) handle 76 includes an actual second handle (such as a forwardhandle of a “Tommy gun”), a pump of a pump action shotgun, or ahandguard 42 of a firearm 26 (as illustrated in FIG. 7 herein). In thisembodiment, the DPC 20 may include at least one pair of exposedelectrodes 78 disposed on a removably attached upper portion 68 thatattaches to a barrel 36 of the firearm 26.

In this embodiment, the DPC 20 power source 28 may be mounted on thefirearm's 26 tactical rail 70, or other suitable location (e.g. in ahollow of the firearm's stock 40. In this embodiment, 1^(st) switch 30and 2^(nd) switch 80 are wired in a series 82, so that both switches 30& 80 must be closed in order for the at least one pair of exposedelectrodes 78 to shock 98 an assailant 58. The 2^(nd) switch 80 ispreferably a push button “momentary on” type switch.

When the DPC 20 is attached to a firearm 26 having at least two handles52 & 76, the 2nd switch 80 is preferably disposed on the 2^(nd) handle76 of the firearm 26 to prevent the user 54 from being accidentallyshocked when the 1^(st) switch 30 is closed. For example, a user 54 whoaims a firearm 26 having two handles 52 & 76 will hold the firearm 26 inboth hands (i.e. one on each handle). Therefore, when the 2^(nd) switch80 is disposed on the 2^(nd) handle 76 of the firearm 26, the user's 54hand will not accidentally come into contact with the at least oneexposed electrode 22 and be shocked. Alternatively, when the firearm 26has a stock 40, the 2^(nd) switch 80 may be disposed on the butt 84 ofthe stock 40, so that the user's 54 shoulder can depress the 2^(nd)switch 80 when the user 54 places the butt 84 of the firearm 26 againstthe user's 54 shoulder to aim the firearm 26.

In a preferred embodiment, when the DPC 20 includes at least one pair ofexposed electrodes 78, a space 86 between the pair of electrodes 78 willexist that is wide enough (e.g. approximately an inch or more dependingon the voltage and environment), to prevent an arc from being createdbetween the pair of exposed electrodes. When no arc is created, anassailant 58 will not recognize the pair of exposed electrodes 78 assuch, to avoid them. When an assailant's 58 body part (e.g. a hand)closes the current path between the pair of exposed electrodes 78, ahigh-voltage electricity discharge will flow into the assailant 58, andprevent the firearm 26 from being taken out of the user's 54 hands.

In an alternate embodiment, the space 86 between the pair of exposedelectrodes 78 is adjustable, so that when the weather is humid (forexample) the space 86 may be increased to prevent a visible arc.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of schematic diagram 88 for a DPC 20in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. The DPC 20 includesa 1^(st) switch 30 (e.g. an on/off switch, “push-to-make” switch, etc.)and a battery 90, or other power supply in parallel with a load resistorR2 adapted to limit the current flowing from the battery 90. The currentflows across the resistor to a pair of transistors Q1 and Q2.

The transistors Q1 and Q2, take the low voltage coming across theresistor R2, and out of the power source, and controls a much largercurrent that is amplified and output from the various transistors Q1 andQ2. The resistor R1 is provided to protect the transistors Q1 and Q2from too much current which may cause excessive damaging heat to the DPC20. The large current being output from the transistors Q1 and Q2 is fedinto a drive transformer T1.

The step-up or high voltage drive transformer T1 receives a pair ofcurrents from the transistors Q1 and Q2 which flow from a pair ofprimary coils induces a second current in a secondary winding. Thevoltage ratio is electromagnetically induced into a significantly higherlevel. As shown from the primary and secondary winding, the voltage issignificantly boosted to a substantially higher level as shown by thedramatic increase in the number of windings in the secondary coil. Theboosted secondary high voltage and smaller secondary current is fed intovarious diodes D1-D4.

The high voltage transformers T1, T2 (discussed later) may be of anysuitable type and is well known in the art. The high output voltage fromthe high voltage transformer T2 may be selected to deliver asufficiently high voltage to the at least one electrode 22 that willcause an assailant 58 to release the firearm 26. High voltagetransformers of this type are incorporated into commercial articlesknown as “stun guns” (as well as other devices, e.g. cattle prods) andact to deliver well in excess of 25,000 volts to the electrodes. Typicalstun guns now commercially available deliver in excess of 1,000,000volts to the electrodes.

In accordance with this disclosure, when an assailant 58 comes intocontact (physical or electrical) with the at least one exposed electrode22 of the DPC 20 while attempting to disarm a user 54 who is operatingthe firearm 26 (i.e. by holding a firearm 26 by at least one handle),the assailant's 58 disarm will be thwarted when the assailant 58experiences a high voltage shock 98 (e.g. in the range of approximately25,000 to approximately 1,000,000 volts being delivered through theassailant's 58 body). The range is not intended to be absolute and maybe varied depending on the power source 28, embedded circuitry andintended operating environment, which may result in lower and/or higherranges. For example, when the user 54 is a prison guard, the DPC 20 maygenerate a non-lethal voltage, and when the user 54 is a combat soldier,a lethal voltage.

The diodes D1-D4 are arranged as a full-wave bridge rectifier to providefull-wave rectification of the AC output of the single transformer T1secondary winding. The incoming AC from the transformer T1 is convertedinto some form of a pulsating DC. Both halves of the incoming AC waveare manipulated so that both halves are used to cause output current toflow in the same direction. That full-wave bridge rectifier rectifiesthe undulating (AC) signal (or voltage) into a single polarity (DC)signal (or voltage); hence, the diodes D1-D4 operate on the entireincoming AC wave. The full wave rectifier shown will rectify both havesof the AC signal, thereby providing a fuller, higher voltage, DC outsignal. The output voltage out of the various diodes D1-D4 is fed inseries to a pair of load resistors R3 and R4.

The output current from the various diodes D1-D4 is filtered. Thepulsating voltage from the various diodes D1-D4 is filtered into asteady output direct current (DC) and limited across the resistor R3 andthe capacitor C1.

Likewise, the current limited across the resistor R4 activates the(silicon controlled rectifier) SCR1 and is subsequently fed into thetriac Z1 and collected by the capacitor C1. The triac Z1 providesinternal protection to the circuit by carrying current in bothdirections and is used to control the AC voltage that is to switch bothdirect (DC) and alternating currents (AC). The SCR1 is provided tocontrol the DC voltage coming out of the various diodes D1-D4. The SCRand the triac Z1 will provide internal protection to the circuit byfurther filtering out the output current in at least the following way.The triac Z1 (two SCR's back-to-back) will allow for current control inone direction and the other in the opposite polarity. On the contrary,the SCR1 will block reverse current polarity and only allow correctpolarity. The SCR1 may be a high current SCR capable of switchinghundreds of amperes up to several thousand volts in a predefineddirection.

The output from the capacitor C1 may be fed into the diode D5 which isused to isolate current flow, like a one way valve, by controlling(blocking or passing) its flow to supply a second capacitor C2, which inturn when charged, discharges and feeds current into a secondtransformer T2.

The second transformer T2 receives a current that flows across a primarycoil and is induced into a secondary larger winding. As shown by thewindings, the voltage ratio is transformed into a significantly higherlevel. That is, the voltage is significantly boosted to a substantiallyhigher level as shown by the dramatic increase in the secondary windingsin the secondary coil. The highly charged voltage coming out of thesecondary windings of the second transformer(s) T2 are connected to highvoltage terminals 92 which in turn may be connected to the at least oneelectrode 22.

The high voltage terminals 92 are made of conducting metal (or othersuitable material) positioned in the DPC 20 with a space 86 betweenthem. A high voltage differential is provided between the high voltageterminals 92. An exposed electrode 22/pair of electrodes 78 is connectedthrough an electrode connector 94 to the high voltage terminals 92. Whena portion of the assailant 58 (e.g. hand) fills the space 86, theelectrical pulses will move from one electrode 22 to the other, shocking98 the assailant 58. Alternatively, the assailant 58 may come intocontact with an exposed conductive plate to receive a shock 98.Circuitries for administering an electrical shock 98 to another (and toanimals) are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and soare not discussed in further detail.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a schematic diagram 96 for theDPC 20 including a 2^(nd) switch 80 and a pair of exposed electrodes 78.In this embodiment, the 2^(nd) switch 80 is preferably a “push-to-make”type switch that is wired in a series 82 with the 1^(st) switch 30. The2^(nd) switch 80 may disposed on a 2^(nd) handle 76 of a firearm 26. Inan alternate embodiment, when the power source 28 comprises anilluminating device including a depressible 1^(st) switch 30 to activatethe illuminating device, the pair of electrodes 78/at least oneelectrode 22 may be activated by the illuminating device's depressible1^(st) switch 30 to operate both devices simultaneously.

FIG. 10 illustrates an assailant 58 receiving an electrical shock 98from a DPC 20 as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The user 54 is not shocked andmaintains control of the firearm 26 by holding onto at least the 1^(st)handle 52 of the firearm 26.

Although this invention has been disclosed and described in itspreferred forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understoodthat the present disclosure of the preferred forms is only by way ofexample and that numerous changes in the details of operation and in thecombination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafterclaimed.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes ormodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It isunderstood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particularembodiments that are described, but is intended to cover allmodifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. Apparatus comprising: a disarm prevention circuit attachable to afirearm, at least one exposed electrode of said disarm preventioncircuit disposed in such a way that a user of the firearm is able tooperate the firearm without contacting the at least one exposedelectrode when the device is attached to the firearm.
 2. The operationof the firearm of claim 1, further comprising the user holding thefirearm by at least one handle of the firearm.
 3. The device of claim 1,further comprising an electrical power source and a first switch.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, further comprising a second switch that is wired in aseries with the first switch.
 5. The electrical power source of claim 3,further comprising an illuminating device.
 6. The at least one electrodeof claim 1, further comprises two electrodes.
 7. The at least oneelectrode of claim 1, further comprising a conductive plate.
 8. Thecontact of claim 1, further comprising physical contact.
 9. The contactof claim 1, further comprising electrical contact.
 10. A system formaintaining control of a firearm, comprising: means to impart anelectric shock to a second person who interferes with a first person'soperation of a firearm, wherein the first person's operation comprisesthe first person holding the firearm by at least one handle of thefirearm, and the second person's interference comprises the secondperson coming into contact with the means to impart the electric shock.11. The system of claim 10 further comprising two switches wired in aseries, wherein at least one switch is a momentary on switch.
 12. Anapparatus, comprising: a disarm prevention circuit, the disarmprevention circuit comprising at least one exposed electrode, a firstswitch and a second switch wired in a series.
 13. The second switch ofclaim 12, further being removably attachable to a firearm foreword of atrigger guard of the firearm.
 14. The second switch of claim 12, furtherbeing disposed in a firearm's butt
 15. The second switch of claim 12,further being a momentary on switch.
 16. The electrode of claim 12,further comprising a conductive plate.
 17. The electrode of claim 12,further capable of administering an electric shock to a second personwithout shocking a first person holding a firearm by at least one handleof the firearm and the disarm prevention circuit is attached to thefirearm.
 18. An apparatus, comprising: a semi-automatic pistol slide, atleast one exposed electrode of said semi-automatic pistol slide disposedin such a way that it is able to deliver an electric shock while thesemi-automatic pistol slide recoils.
 19. The electrode of claim 18further being disposed on the semi-automatic pistol slide.
 20. The slideof claim 18, further being slidably connected to an electric powersource.